Expandable implant assembly with compression features

ABSTRACT

An expandable implant includes a base member, an adjustable member adjustably coupled to the base member and movable between a first, collapsed position, and a second, expanded position, a control assembly including a control shaft, wherein manipulation of the control shaft causes relative movement of the adjustable member relative to the base member, wherein the base member and the adjustable member are coupled together at least in part via the control assembly such that the control shaft is rotationally fixed relative to the base member and the adjustable member, and the adjustable member is resiliently compressible relative to the base member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/896,894, filed Jun. 9, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/859,347, filed Jun. 10, 2019, both ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to expandable implants and devices,including spinal interbody and intravertebral body devices, andvertebral interbody and intravertebral devices that are expandable afterspinal placement thereof.

Fusion cages, as well as other types of implants, bodies and/or devices,are frequently utilized in spinal surgery inside a vertebra(intravertebral) and/or between vertebrae of a patient (interbody), oradjacent other bone bodies. With interbody devices, one or more suchspinal bodies are placed between vertebrae to provide support andpromote fusion between adjacent vertebrae where such is necessary due todisease, injury, general deterioration or congenital problem. Withintravertebral devices, one or more spinal bodies are placed within avertebra. Spinal devices, such as fusion cages and/or the like, areinserted into a spinal space either anteriorly, posteriorly, laterallyor posteriolaterally.

A problem with most spinal interbody and intravertebral devices is thatthey are static in size and difficult to position. This poses variousproblems with their use and/or implantation. Particularly, static sizedspinal devices are fairly large in order to properly bridge the gapbetween adjacent vertebrae. This large size does not lend itself tomicrosurgery, arthroscopic surgery or the like. Furthermore, spinaldevices that are difficult to position require more invasive surgerytechniques, and longer surgery time to implant. This complicatedpositioning does not lend itself to minimally invasive surgery or evenoutpatient procedures.

Devices are now being made that are expandable and more easilypositioned. Expandable interbody devices allow the device to beinitially smaller than traditional non-expandable (static) interbodydevices such that expandable interbody devices may be more easilyinserted or implanted into the vertebral space. Moreover, expandabledevices allow the surgeon to set the amount of expansion necessary forthe particular patient rather than the static device dictating thespacing. Furthermore, expandable devices can include attachment pointsfor manipulation tools. Expandable devices integrated with amanipulation tool allows the surgeon to more easily position and expandthe implant rather than using several bulkier tools.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to an expandable implant, including a base memberincluding a top surface, a first end, and a second end, and defining acentral cavity positioned between the first end and the second end; anadjustable member including a top surface and at least one controlchannel, wherein the adjustable member is adjustably coupled to the basemember and movable between a first, collapsed position, and a second,expanded position; a control shaft rotatably received by the basemember, wherein rotation of the control shaft cause relative movement ofthe adjustable member relative to the base member; and at least onecontrol member received on the control shaft and by the control channel,wherein rotation of the control shaft causes the control member totranslate along the control shaft and along the control channel.

Another embodiment relates to an expandable implant, including a basemember including a top surface, a first end, and a second end, anddefining a central cavity positioned between the first end and thesecond end; an adjustable member including a top surface, a firstcontrol channel, and a second control channel; a control shaft rotatablyreceived by the base member, wherein the control shaft defines a firstacute angle with the first control channel and a second acute angle withthe second control channel, and wherein rotation of the control shaftcauses relative movement of the adjustable member relative to the basemember; a first control member received on the control shaft and by thefirst control channel such that rotation of the control shaft causestranslation of the first control member along the control shaft andalong the first control channel; and a second control member received onthe control shaft and by the second control channel such that rotationof the control shaft causes translation of the second control memberalong the control shaft and along the second control channel.

Another embodiment relates to an expandable implant, including a basemember; an adjustable member movably coupled to the base member anddefining a first control channel and a second control channel; a controlshaft translationally fixed and rotatably movable relative to the basemember, wherein rotation of the control shaft causes relative movementof the adjustable member relative to the base member, wherein thecontrol shaft defines a first intersection angle with the first controlchannel and a second different intersection angle with the secondcontrol channel; a first control member received on the control shaftand in the first control channel such that rotation of the control shaftcauses translation of the first control member along the control shaftand within the first control channel; and a second control memberreceived on the control shaft and within the second control channel suchthat rotation of the control shaft causes translation of the firstcontrol member along the control shaft and within the first controlchannel.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an expandable implant in a collapsedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 1 in an expandedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the implant of FIG. 1 according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 1 in acollapsed position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 1 in anexpanded position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 1 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the implant of FIG. 1 in acollapsed position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the implant of FIG. 1 in anexpanded position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a schematic view of a control scheme usable with the implantsdisclosed herein according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a schematic view of a control scheme usable with the implantsdisclosed herein according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9C is a schematic view of a control scheme usable with the implantsdisclosed herein according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an implant in a collapsed positionaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the implant of FIG. 10 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 35 in an expandedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is perspective view of the implant of FIG. 10 in an expandedposition with bone screws according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the implant of FIG. 10 according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of the implant of FIG. 10 in a collapsedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-section view of the implant of FIG. 10 in an expandedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the implant of FIG. 10 according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the implant of FIG. 10 according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the implant of FIG. 10 according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an implant in a collapsed positionaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 20 in an expandedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a partial exploded view of the implant of FIG. 20 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a partial exploded view of the implant of FIG. 20 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the implant of FIG. 20 according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-section view of the implant of FIG. 20 according toone embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the implant of FIG. 20 according toone embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the implant of FIG. 20 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a partial exploded view of the implant of FIG. 20 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a partial exploded view of the implant of FIG. 20 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an expandable implant in a collapsedposition according to another embodiment.

FIG. 31 is another perspective view of the implant of FIG. 30 in acollapsed position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 30 in an expandedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the implant of FIG. 30 in an expandedembodiment.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 30 with bone screwsinserted according to one embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an expandable implant in a collapsedposition according to another embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 35 in an expandedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the implant of FIG. 35 in anexpanded position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 38 is another bottom perspective view of the implant of FIG. 35 inan expanded position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 39 is side perspective view of the implant of FIG. 35 in anexpanded position with bone screws inserted according to one embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view of the implant of FIG. 35 in anexpanded position with bone screws inserted according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an expandable implant in a collapsedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 41 in an expandedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a front view of the implant of FIG. 41 in an expandedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 41 in an expandedposition with bone screws inserted according to one embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a side perspective view of an expandable implant in acollapsed position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a cross section view of the implant of FIG. 45 is a collapsedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a side perspective view of the implant of FIG. 45 in anintermediate position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a cross section view of the implant of FIG. 45 in anintermediate position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 49 is side perspective view of the implant of FIG. 45 in anexpanded position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a cross section view of the implant of FIG. 45 in an expandedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 51 is another perspective view of the implant of FIG. 45 in anexpanded position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a partial cutaway view of the implant of FIG. 45 according toone embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a side view of the implant of FIG. 45 according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 54 is a side perspective view of an expandable implant in acollapsed position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 55 is a side perspective view of the implant of FIG. 54 in anexpanded position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 56 is a cross section view of the implant of FIG. 54 in a collapsedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 57 is a cross section view of the implant of FIG. 54 in an expandedposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 58 is a partial cutaway view of the implant of FIG. 54 according toone embodiment.

FIG. 59 is a partial exploded view of the implant of FIG. 54 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 60 is another partial exploded view of the implant of FIG. 54according to one embodiment.

FIG. 61 is a front perspective view of an expandable implant in acollapsed position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 62 is a front perspective view of the expandable implant of FIG. 61in an expanded position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 63 is a cross-section view of an expandable implant according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 64 is another cross-section view of the expandable implant of FIG.63.

FIG. 65 is a side view of a control member of the expandable implant ofFIG. 63.

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the control member of FIG. 65.

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of an expandable implant according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 68 is another perspective view of the expandable implant of FIG.67.

FIG. 69 is a top view of the expandable implant of FIG. 67.

FIG. 70 is a cross-section view of the expandable implant of FIG. 67.

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of a control member of the expandableimplant of FIG. 67.

FIG. 72 is an exploded view of the control member of FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of an expandable implant according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 74 is an exploded view of the expandable implant of FIG. 73.

FIG. 75 is an exploded view of the expandable implant of FIG. 73according to another embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of the disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scaleand certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrateand explain the principles of the present disclosure. Theexemplifications set out herein illustrate several embodiments, but theexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of thedisclosure in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to expandable and/or dynamic implants,including, but not limited to, interbody (between adjacent vertebrae),intravertebral-body (inside the vertebrae) and/or spinal stabilizationdevices that may or may not be used as interbody fusion cages ordevices, interbody/intravertebral bodies/body stabilization devicesand/or the like (e.g., spinal device(s)) for providing support,stabilization and/or promoting bone growth between or inside vertebraeor other portions of bone that have been destabilized or otherwise dueto injury, illness and/or the like. Particularly, the present disclosureprovides various versions of dynamic (expandable and/or expandable andretractable) interbody/intravertebral body devices that are usable in aspinal column or other areas of a human.

Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to expandable implantsthat are implantable between adjacent bodies of bone. For example, theimplant may be implanted or inserted into a human spine adjacent upperand lower vertebrae of the spine. According to various exemplaryembodiments, the components of the implants disclosed herein may be madeof any suitable material(s), including a variety of metals, plastics,composites, or other suitable bio-compatible materials. In someembodiments, one or more components of the implants disclosed herein maybe made of the same material, while in other embodiments, differentmaterials may be used for different components of the various implants.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-9C, an expandable implant 10 is shown accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Implant 10 is usable, for example, betweenand/or within vertebral bodies of the spine, and may share many of thefeatures of the other inter/intra-body implants discussed elsewhereherein. It should be understood that implant 10 may in some embodimentsbe usable in other portions of the body in addition to the spine, andall such applications are to be understood to be within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, implant 10 includes a base member12 and an adjustable member 14 adjustably coupled to the base member 12.A control shaft 16 is received by the base member 12 and is retained bya retention pin 18 passing through a portion of the base member 12. Afirst control member 20 and a second control member 22 are received onthe control shaft 16 and are movable along the control shaft 16 toadjust a position of the adjustable member 14 between a collapsedposition, as shown in FIG. 1, and an expanded position, as shown in FIG.2.

In one embodiment, the base member 12 includes a front or first end 24,a rear or second end 26, and a central cavity 36 disposed between thefirst end 24 and the second end 26. The base member 12 further includesa top surface 28 having ridges or projections 30 formed by correspondinggrooves, a bottom surface 32 opposite the top surface 28 and havingridges or projections 34 formed by corresponding grooves, a first side38, and a second side 40. The projections 30, 34 are configured toengage adjacent portions of bone. The first side 38 defines a first siderecess 42, and the second side 40 defines a second side recess 44. A pinaperture 46 extends through one or both of first side 38 and second side40 and is configured to receive the retention pin 18 (e.g., in a pressfit or other manner). The second end 26 of the base member 12 includes acontrol bore 48 configured to receive a first portion of the controlshaft 16. The first end 24 of the base member 12 includes a controlcounterbore 50 (see FIG. 4) configured to receive a second portion ofthe control shaft 16. As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the firstend 24 of the base member 12 further includes a dovetail recess 58, andthe second end 26 of the base member 12 further includes a dovetailrecess 60.

In one embodiment, the adjustable member 14 includes a front or firstend 62, a rear or second end 64, and a central recess or cavity 78positioned between the first end 62 and the second end 64. A top cavity84 (see FIG. 5) in the adjustable member 14 extends to the centralcavity 78. The adjustable member 14 further includes a top surface 66having ridges or projections 68 formed by corresponding grooves, abottom surface 70 including ridges or projections 72 (see FIG. 8) formedby corresponding grooves, a first side portion 80, and a second sideportion 82. In some embodiments, the first and second side portions 80,82 have shapes generally corresponding to the shapes of the first andsecond side recesses 42, 44 of base member 12. In other embodiments, thefirst and second side portions 80, 82 have shapes differing from theshapes of the first and second side recesses 42, 44 of the base member12. The first end 62 of the adjustable member 14 further includes adovetail projection 86, and the second end 64 of the adjustable member14 further includes a dovetail projection 88.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, in one embodiment, the adjustable member 14includes one or more control channels, such as a first control channel74 and a second control channel 76. The first control channel 74receives the first control member 20, and the second control channel 76receives the second control member 22. In some embodiments, the controlmembers 20, 22 are received in the control channels 74, 76 in a slidingmanner such that the control members 20, 22 are able to translate withinthe control channels 74, 76. In further embodiments, each controlchannel has a shape such that the control channel surrounds the controlmember and at least partially corresponds in shape to the controlmember.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the control shaft 16 includes a head portion90, a tool port 92 disposed within the head portion 90, and a retentiongroove 98 located at an end opposite the head portion 90. In someembodiments, the control shaft 16 further includes a first controlthread 94 and a second control thread 96. A non-threaded portion 100 maybe located between the first control thread 94 and the second controlthread 96.

The first control member 20 includes a body 102, one or more flatportions 104, and a first internal thread 106. The second control member22 includes a body 108, one or more flat portions 110, and a secondinternal thread 112. In some embodiments, the second control member 22further includes a slotted portion 114 configured to enable passing thesecond control member 22 over a portion (e.g., non-threaded portion 100)of the control shaft 16. The first control member 20 and the secondcontrol member 22 move or translate both along the control shaft 16 andwithin or on the first control channel 74 and the second control channel76.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, implant 10 is movable between a first,collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 1, to a second, expanded position,shown in FIG. 2. In the first position, the adjustable member 14 isreceived within the central cavity 36 of the base member 12. Thedovetail projections 86, 88 on the adjustable member 14 are receivedwithin the dovetail recesses 58, 60 in the base member 12 (see FIG. 6).In some embodiments, the projections and recesses have a relativelyclose fit to enable proper alignment between the adjustable member 14and the base member 12, while in other embodiments, the projections andrecesses have a relatively loose fit to enable a desired angular offsetbetween the adjustable member 14 and the base member 12.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the control shaft 16 is received by the basemember 12 such that the retention groove 98 is positioned with the firstend 24 of the base member 12 and the head portion 90 is positionedwithin the second end 26 of the base member 12. In one embodiment, thecontrol shaft 16 is rotatable within the base member 12, and theretention pin 18 extends through the first end 24 and into the retentiongroove 98 of the control shaft 16 to enable rotation of the controlshaft 16 while inhibiting translation of the control shaft 16 relativeto the base member 12. The first control member 20 is received on thefirst control thread 94 of the control shaft 16, and the second controlmember 22 is received on the second control thread 96 of the controlshaft 16. To facilitate assembly of implant 10, in some embodiments, theslot 114 enables passage of the second control member 22 over thenon-threaded portion 100 of the control shaft 16 and subsequentthreading of the second control member 22 onto the second control thread96.

In one embodiment, the first control thread 94 and the second controlthread 96 are threaded in opposite manners (e.g., left-handed andright-handed), such that upon rotation of the control shaft 16, thecontrol members 20, 22 move in opposite directions along the controlshaft 16. For example, the control shaft may be configured that rotationof the control shaft 16 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) causesthe first and second control members 20, 22 to move toward each other,and rotation of the control shaft 16 in a second direction (e.g.,counter-clockwise) causes the first and second control member 20, 22 tomove away from each other.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, as the control members 20, 22 move along thecontrol shaft 16, the control members 20, 22 further move within thecontrol channels 74, 76, thereby causing relative movement of theadjustable member 14 and the base member 12. For example, FIGS. 4 and 5show the control members 20, 22 moving away from each other along thecontrol shaft 16. As the control members 20, 22 translate along thecontrol shaft 16, the adjustable member 14 is moved upward or downwarddue to the angled shape of the first and second control channels 74, 76.The rate of movement of the control members 20, 22, and therefore theadjustable member 14, can be adjusted by modifying the slope of thecontrol channels 74, 76 relative to the control shaft 16.

For example, referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, schematic representations of thecontrol shaft 16, the first control channel 74, and the second controlchannel 76 are shown according to various alternative embodiments. Thefirst control channel 74 extends at a first angle 116 relative to thecontrol shaft 16, and the second control channel 76 extends at a secondangle 118 relative to the control shaft 16. The first and second angles116, 118 define the rate at which first control member 20 and secondcontrol member 22 cause corresponding movement (e.g., expansion) of thefirst and second ends 62, 64 of the adjustable member 14 relative to thebase member 12. As shown in FIG. 9A, in some embodiments, the firstangle 116 and second angle 118 are approximately the same, and thecontrol channels 74, 76 define linear paths, such that the rates ofmovement of the first and second ends 62, 64 of the adjustable member 14are substantially the same and constant (assuming a constant rate ofrotation of the control shaft 16). As shown in FIG. 9B, in someembodiments, rather than being angled toward each other in an upwarddirection, the first and second control channels 74, 76 may extend in aparallel manner or be configured to extend upward at angles in the samegeneral direction. In yet further embodiments, one or both of thecontrol channels 74, 76 may define a non-linear channel. For example, asshown in FIG. 9C, the second control channel 76 defines a curved path,thereby providing a changing rate of movement of the second end 64 ofadjustable member 14. In further alternative embodiments, angles 116,118 may differ from each other to provide different amounts of movementand to suit a particular application.

Providing differing configurations for the first control channel 74 andthe second control channel 76 enables customization of thecharacteristics of the implant 10 in the second, expanded position. Forexample, the control channels 74, 76 may be configured such that in afully expanded position of implant 10, one of the first end 62 and thesecond end 64 of the adjustable member 14 is expanded to a greaterdegree than the opposing end. An example of such a configuration isreflected in FIG. 9C, and shown in greater detail with the embodiment ofFIGS. 27-34. Other configurations of the first and second controlchannels 74, 76 are possible according to various alternativeembodiments.

In use, implant 10 is positioned within a desired space (e.g., betweenadjacent portions of bone) while in the first, collapsed position, asshown in FIG. 1. To position implant 10, an appropriate tool may be usedto engage tool recesses 56 and manipulate implant 10 into a desiredposition. Once in a desired position, a subsequent tool may be utilizedto engage tool port 92 and rotate control shaft 16 to move adjustablemember 14 to a desired degree of expansion. It should be noted thatbased on a particular application, the adjustable member 14 may beutilized in a fully collapsed position, a fully expanded position, orany intermediate position therebetween. Once implant 10 is properlypositioned and expanded to a desired height, bone graft material may bedelivered by way of, for example, access aperture 52 and placed intocentral cavity 36. The various apertures in and through the base member12 and adjustable member 14 may in some embodiments facilitate thegrowth of bone material in and around implant 10 to further stabilizethe device.

It should be noted that implant 10 may share various features with theother implants described herein, and be made of the same, similar, ordifferent materials. For example, various components of implant 10 maybe made of metal, plastic, composites, or other suitable bio-compatiblematerials. Further, implant 10 may be usable in connection with thespine or other parts of the body.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-19, an expandable implant 610 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. Implant 610 may share many of thefeatures of the other inter/intra-body implants discussed elsewhereherein. All such combinations of features are to be understood to bewithin the scope of the present disclosure. Implant 610 is generallysimilar to the other implants disclosed herein in structure and functionexcept that implant 610 utilizes a single control member/control channelconfiguration, and further utilizes a pivot pin about which anadjustable member pivots relative to a base member.

According to an exemplary embodiment, implant 610 includes a base member612 and an adjustable member 614 adjustably coupled to the base member612. A control shaft 616 is received by the base member 612 and isretained by a retention pin 618 (e.g., a pivot pin or member, retainingpin) passing through a portion of the base member 612 and/or theadjustable member 614. A control member 620 is received on the controlshaft 616 and is movable along the control shaft 616 to adjust aposition of the adjustable member 614 between a collapsed position, asshown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and an expanded position, as shown in FIGS. 12and 13.

In one embodiment, the base member 612 includes a front or first end624, a rear or second end 626, and a central cavity 638 disposed betweenthe first end 624 and the second end 626. The base member 612 furtherincludes a top surface 646 and a bottom surface 634 opposite the topsurface 646 and having ridges or projections 636 formed by correspondinggrooves. The projections 636 are configured to engage adjacent portionsof bone. The base member 612 further includes a planar portion 628. Afirst extension 630 is positioned at the first end 624 and extendsupward from the planar portion 628, and a second extension 632 ispositioned at the second end 626 and extends upward from the planarportion 628. A pin aperture 640 extends through the first extension 630and is configured to receive the retention pin 618 (e.g., in a pressfit, sliding, or other manner). The second extension 632 includes a bonescrew bore 650 configured to receive a bone screw 622. The firstextension 630 includes a first control bore 642 and the second extensionincludes a second control bore 644. Control bores 642, 644 receiveopposing ends of the control shaft 616.

In one embodiment, the adjustable member 614 includes a front or firstend 652, a rear or second end 654, and cavities 664 extending throughthe adjustable member 614 and positioned between the first end 652 andthe second end 654. The adjustable member 614 further includes a topsurface 656 having ridges or projections 658 formed by correspondinggrooves, and a bottom surface 660. The adjustable member 614 furtherincludes pin apertures 668 configured to receive the retention pin 618to enable movement (e.g., pivoting) of the adjustable member 614relative to the base member 612. Further, the adjustable member includesa first bone screw support portion 670 including a bone screw bore 674and a second bone screw support portion 672 having a bone screw bore676. As shown in FIG. 43, the first and second bone screw supportportions 670, 672 of the adjustable member 614 and the second extension632 of the base member 612 collectively form a front face of the implant610, such that the control shaft 616 and the bone screws 622 areaccessible via the front face of the implant 610 (e.g., when the implant610 is in a collapsed position).

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, in one embodiment, the adjustable member 614includes one or more control channels, such as control channel 662. Thecontrol channel 662 receives the control member 620. In someembodiments, the control member 620 is received in the control channel662 in a sliding manner such that the control member 620 is able totranslate within the control channel 662. In further embodiments, thecontrol channel 662 has a shape such that the control channel 662surrounds the control member 620 and at least partially corresponds inshape to the control member 620.

Referring to FIG. 14, the control shaft 616 includes a head portion 678,a tool port 680 disposed within the head portion 678, and a retentiongroove 684 located at an end opposite the head portion 678. In someembodiments, the control shaft 616 further includes a control thread682. Non-threaded portions 686 may be located on one or both side of thecontrol thread 682.

The control member 620 includes a body 688, one or more flat portions690, and an internal thread 692. In some embodiments, the control member620 further includes a slotted portion configured to enable passing thecontrol member 620 over a portion (e.g., non-threaded portion 686) ofthe control shaft 616. The control member 620 moves or translates bothalong the control shaft 616 and within or on the control channel 662.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the control shaft 616 is received by thebase member 612 such that the retention groove 684 is positioned withthe first extension 630 of the base member 612 and the head portion 678is positioned within the second extension 632 of the base member 612. Inone embodiment, the control shaft 616 is rotatable within the basemember 612, and the retention pin 618 extends through the firstextension 630 and into the retention groove 684 of the control shaft 616to enable rotation of the control shaft 616 while inhibiting translationof the control shaft 616 relative to the base member 612. The internalthread 692 of the control member 620 is received on the control thread682 of the control shaft 616 such that as the control member 620 movesalong the control shaft 616, the control member 620 further moves withinthe control channel 662, thereby causing relative movement (e.g.,pivotal movement) of the adjustable member 614 relative to the basemember 612 (e.g., about retention pin 618). For example, FIGS. 15 and 16show the control member 620 moving along the control shaft 616. As thecontrol member 620 translates along the control shaft 616, theadjustable member 614 pivots about the retention pin 618. The rate ofmovement of the control member 620, and therefore the adjustable member614, can be adjusted by modifying the slope of the control channel 662relative to the control shaft 616.

In use, implant 610 is positioned within a desired space (e.g., betweenadjacent portions of bone) while in the first, collapsed position, asshown in FIG. 10. To position implant 610, an appropriate tool may beused to engage tool recesses 648 and manipulate implant 610 into adesired position. Once in a desired position, a subsequent tool may beutilized to engage tool port 680 and rotate control shaft 616 to pivotadjustable member 614 to a desired degree of expansion. It should benoted that based on a particular application, the adjustable member 614may be utilized in a fully collapsed position, a fully expandedposition, or any intermediate position therebetween. One or more bonescrews 622 may be screwed into adjacent portions of bone as shown inFIG. 13. Once implant 610 is properly positioned and expanded to adesired height, bone graft material may be delivered by way of, forexample, apertures 664 or alternatively, by the space formed due to theexpansion of adjustable member 614. The various apertures in and throughthe base member 612 and adjustable member 614 may in some embodimentsfacilitate the growth of bone material in and around implant 610 tofurther stabilize the device.

It should be noted that implant 610 may share various features with theother implants described herein, and be made of the same, similar, ordifferent materials. For example, various components of implant 610 maybe made of metal, plastic, composites, or other suitable bio-compatiblematerials. Further, implant 160 may be usable in connection with thespine or other parts of the body.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-29, an expandable implant 710 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. Implant 710 may include any of thefeatures shown and described with respect to the other expandableimplants disclosed herein. For example, implant 710 is in many wayssimilar to implant 10, and may include any of the features of implant10. Implant 710 is usable, for example, between and/or within vertebralbodies of the spine, and may share many of the features of the otherinter/intra-body implants discussed elsewhere herein. It should beunderstood that implant 710 may in some embodiments be usable in otherportions of the body in addition to the spine, and all such applicationsare to be understood to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, implant 710 includes a base member712 and an adjustable member 714 adjustably coupled to the base member712. A control shaft 716 is received by the base member 712 and isretained by a retention member 718 passing through a portion of the basemember 712. Retention member 718 is in turn retained in place by aretention pin 719, which may further be welded, press-fit, or otherwisesecured in place, as shown in FIG. 29. A first control member 720 and asecond control member 722 are received on the control shaft 716 and aremovable along the control shaft 716 to adjust a position of theadjustable member 714 between a collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 20,and an expanded position, as shown in FIG. 21.

In one embodiment, the base member 712 includes a front or first end724, a rear or second end 726, and a central cavity 736 disposed betweenthe first end 724 and the second end 726. The base member 712 furtherincludes a top surface 728, a bottom surface 732 opposite the topsurface 728 and having ridges or projections 734 formed by correspondinggrooves, a first side 738, and a second side 740. The projections 734are configured to engage adjacent portions of bone. The base member 712further includes alignment guides 742 and alignment recesses 744, whichengage corresponding guides and recesses on adjustable member 714.Limiting pin apertures 746 extends through one or both of first side 738and second side 740 and are configured to receive limiting pins 747(e.g., in a press fit or other manner). Limiting pins 747 engagecorresponding projections 749 on adjustable member 714 to limit anamount of expansion of adjustable member 714 relative to base member712. The second end 726 of the base member 712 includes a control bore748 configured to receive a first portion of the control shaft 716. Thefirst end 724 of the base member 712 includes a control counterbore 750(see FIG. 25) configured to receive a second portion of the controlshaft 716.

In one embodiment, the adjustable member 714 includes a front or firstend 762, a rear or second end 764, and a central recess or cavity 778positioned between the first end 762 and the second end 764. A topcavity 784 (see FIG. 5) in the adjustable member 714 extends to thecentral cavity 778. The adjustable member 714 further includes a topsurface 766 having ridges or projections 768 formed by correspondinggrooves, and a bottom surface 770 including ridges or projections 772(see FIG. 27) formed by corresponding grooves. Alignment guides 780 andalignment recesses 782 are received by alignment recesses 742 andalignment guides 741 of base member 712 to maintain a desired alignmentbetween the base member 712 and the adjustable member 714 (e.g., toprovide linear relative movement, permit non-linear relative movement,etc.). In one embodiment, projections 749 are disposed within recesses782 and are configured to engage limiting pins 747 to limit an amount ofexpansion of adjustable member 714 relative to base member 712.

Referring to FIG. 25, in one embodiment, the adjustable member 714includes one or more control channels, such as a first control channel774 and a second control channel 776. The first control channel 774receives the first control member 720, and the second control channel776 receives the second control member 722. In some embodiments, thecontrol members 720, 722 are received in the control channels 774, 776in a sliding manner such that the control members 720, 722 are able totranslate within the control channels 774, 776. In further embodiments,each control channel has a shape such that the control channel surroundsthe control member and at least partially corresponds in shape to thecontrol member. In some embodiments, retention member 718 includes asurface 761 (see FIG. 22) that acts as a limit surface for first controlmember 720, such that first control member 720 engages surface 761 at amaximum expansion position for adjustable member 714. As such, surface761 acts to limit the maximum expansion of adjustable member 714 bylimiting the degree of movement of first control member 720 (andtherefore second control member 722) along control shaft 716.

Referring further to FIG. 25, the control shaft 716 includes a headportion 790, a tool port 792 disposed within the head portion 790, and aretention groove 798 located at an end opposite the head portion 790. Insome embodiments, the control shaft 716 further includes a first controlthread 794 and a second control thread 796. A non-threaded portion 800may be located between the first control thread 794 and the secondcontrol thread 796.

Similar to control member 20 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-8), the first controlmember 720 includes a body, one or more flat portions, and a firstinternal thread. Similar to control member 22 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-8),the second control member 722 includes a body, one or more flatportions, and a second internal thread. In some embodiments, the secondcontrol member 722 further includes a slotted portion configured toenable passing the second control member 722 over a portion (e.g.,non-threaded portion 800) of the control shaft 716. The first controlmember 720 and the second control member 722 move or translate bothalong the control shaft 716 and within or on the first control channel774 and the second control channel 776.

Referring back to FIGS. 20 and 21, implant 710 is movable between afirst, collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 20, to a second, expandedposition, shown in FIG. 21. In the first position, the adjustable member714 is collapsed against the base member 712. The alignment guides 741and alignment recesses 742 on base member 712 are received by alignmentrecesses 780 and alignment guides 782 on adjustable member 714. In someembodiments, the alignment guides and recesses have a relatively closefit to enable proper alignment between the adjustable member 714 and thebase member 712, while in other embodiments, the alignment guides andrecesses have a relatively loose fit to enable a desired angular offsetbetween the adjustable member 714 and the base member 712.

Referring to FIG. 25, the control shaft 716 is received by the basemember 712 such that the retention groove 798 is positioned with thefirst end 724 of the base member 712 and the head portion 790 ispositioned within the second end 726 of the base member 712. In oneembodiment, the control shaft 716 is rotatable within the base member712, and the retention member 718 extends through the first end 724 andinto the retention groove 798 of the control shaft 16 to enable rotationof the control shaft 716 while inhibiting translation of the controlshaft 716 relative to the base member 712. The first control member 720is received on the first control thread 794 of the control shaft 716,and the second control member 722 is received on the second controlthread 796 of the control shaft 716. To facilitate assembly of implant710, in some embodiments, a slot enables passage of the second controlmember 722 over the non-threaded portion 800 of the control shaft 716and subsequent threading of the second control member 722 onto thesecond control thread 796 (as discussed with respect to, for example,control member 22 shown in FIGS. 1-8).

In one embodiment, the first control thread 794 and the second controlthread 796 are threaded in opposite manners (e.g., left-handed andright-handed), such that upon rotation of the control shaft 716, thecontrol members 720, 722 move in opposite directions along the controlshaft 716. For example, the control shaft 716 may be configured suchthat rotation of the control shaft 716 in a first direction (e.g.,clockwise) causes the first and second control members 720, 722 to movetoward each other, and rotation of the control shaft 716 in a seconddirection (e.g., counter-clockwise) causes the first and second controlmember 720, 722 to move away from each other. In other embodiments, thefirst and second control members 720, 722 are configured to translate ina same direction upon rotation of control shaft 716.

As shown in FIG. 25, as the control members 720, 722 move along thecontrol shaft 716, the control members 720, 722 further move within thecontrol channels 774, 776, thereby causing relative movement of theadjustable member 714 and the base member 712. As the control members720, 722 translate along the control shaft 716, the adjustable member714 is moved upward or downward due to the angled shape of the first andsecond control channels 774, 776. The rate of movement of the controlmembers 720, 722, and therefore the adjustable member 714, can beadjusted by modifying the slope of the control channels 774, 776relative to the control shaft 716, as discussed in greater detail withrespect to FIGS. 9A-9C.

Providing differing configurations for the first control channel 774 andthe second control channel 776 enables customization of thecharacteristics of the implant 710 in the second, expanded position. Forexample, the control channels 774, 776 may be configured such that in afully expanded position of implant 710, one of the first end 762 and thesecond end 764 of the adjustable member 714 is expanded to a greaterdegree than the opposing end. Other configurations of the first andsecond control channels 774, 776 are possible according to variousalternative embodiments. All such modifications and features are to beunderstood to be within the scope of the present disclosure and may formpart of any of the expandable implants disclosed herein.

In use, implant 710 is positioned within a desired space (e.g., betweenadjacent portions of bone) while in the first, collapsed position, asshown in FIG. 20. To position implant 710, an appropriate tool may beused to engage tool recesses 756 and manipulate implant 710 into adesired position. Once in a desired position, a subsequent tool may beutilized to engage tool port 792 and rotate control shaft 716 to moveadjustable member 714 to a desired degree of expansion. It should benoted that based on a particular application, the adjustable member 714may be utilized in a fully collapsed position, a fully expandedposition, or any intermediate position therebetween.

Once implant 710 is properly positioned and expanded to a desiredheight, bone graft material may be delivered by way of, for example,access aperture 752 (see FIG. 24) and placed into central cavity 736.The various apertures in and through the base member 712 and adjustablemember 714 may in some embodiments facilitate the growth of bonematerial in and around implant 710 to further stabilize the device. Asshown in FIG. 24, side apertures 752 may extend through one or bothsides of the base member 712 and the adjustable member 714 andcommunicate with an interior of implant 710 to promote bone growth, etc.Similarly, aperture 784 in adjustable member 714 and apertures 751 inthe base member 712 provide access to the interior of implant 710 viathe top/bottom of implant 710. Further, control member 716 may includean access port 791 accessible by way of tool port 792 that is in fluidcommunication with the interior of implant 710 and enables delivery ofbone graft or other material to the interior of implant 710 (e.g., byway of a tool, etc.).

It should be noted that implant 710 may share various features with theother implants described herein, and be made of the same, similar, ordifferent materials. For example, various components of implant 710 maybe made of metal, plastic, composites, or other suitable bio-compatiblematerials. Further, implant 710 may be usable in connection with thespine or other parts of the body.

Referring now to FIGS. 30-34, in some embodiments, one or both of a basemember or an adjustable member of an implant may be configured toreceive a bone screw to further secure the implant to adjacent portionsof bone. For example, as shown in FIGS. 30-34, an implant 910 includes abase member 912 and an adjustable member 914 is adjustably coupled tothe base member 912. A control shaft 916 is received by the base member912 and may be retained by a retention pin passing through a portion ofthe base member 912. A first control member 920 and a second controlmember 922 are received on the control shaft 916 and are movable alongthe control shaft 916 to adjust a position of the adjustable member 914between a collapsed position, as shown in FIGS. 30-31, and an expandedposition, as shown in FIGS. 32-34. Bone screws 921, 923 extend throughbase member 912 and adjustable member 914 (see FIG. 34).

Implant 910 may include any combination of the features disclosed hereinwith respect to the other implants, and all such combinations offeatures are to be understood to be within the scope of the presentdisclosure. In one embodiment, a substantial portion of implant 910 isgenerally rectangular in shape when in a first, collapsed position. Asshown in FIGS. 32-34, in some embodiments, the base member 912 includesa first bone screw support portion or extension 924 having a first bonescrew bore 926 configured to receive bone screw 921. Similarly,adjustable member 914 includes a second bone screw support portion orextension 928 having a second bone screw bore 930 configured to receivebone screw 923. The first extension 924 and the second extension 928collectively form a proximal face 932 (see FIG. 33) for implant 910 withthe corresponding end portions of base member 912 and adjustable member914. As shown in FIG. 33, the first bone screw bore 926, the second bonescrew bore 930, and the control shaft 916 are accessible by way of theproximal face 932 of the implant 910.

Referring further to FIG. 33, in some embodiments, extensions 924, 928extend in generally opposite directions relative to the remainingportions of the base member 912 and the adjustable member 914 (e.g., ina perpendicular fashion, in an angled fashion, etc.). As such,extensions 924, 928 may act as to limit the insertion of implant 910into a vertebral or other space by way of extensions 924, 928interfacing with adjacent portions of bone. Furthermore, extensions 924,928 and bone screw bores 926, 930 may be configured such that bonescrews 921, 923 extend in a generally parallel manner to thelongitudinal axis of implant 910 (see FIG. 34). This configuration mayfacilitate fastening screws 921, 923 into adjacent portions of bone dueto the alignment of the screws with an incision and/or the implant.

In some embodiments and similar to various other implants disclosedherein, implant 910 may include lower alignment guides 940 and loweralignment recesses 942 provided on base member 912 that are configuredto be received by corresponding upper alignment recesses 946 and upperalignment guides 944 provided on adjustable member 914 to maintain adesired alignment (e.g., linear, non-linear, etc.) between adjustablemember 914 and base member 912. The alignment guides and recesses may beprovide on both sides of implant 910, and any suitable number of guidesand recesses may be utilized. Further, implant 910 includes a centralcavity 950 that is accessible (e.g., to promote bone growth, to receivebone growth material, etc.) by way of side apertures 952, which may beprovide on one or both sides of base member 912 and/or adjustable member914. Implant may further include a top aperture 954 to provide access tothe central cavity 950.

As shown in FIGS. 30-34, implant 910 may have a relatively flat profile,such that the width of the implant 910 is substantially greater than theheight of the main portion or body of implant 910 excluding theextensions 924, 928. For example, in various embodiments the width ofthe main body of implant 910 may be two, three, four, or more times theheight. A flatter profile may provide a more stable implant.Furthermore, in some embodiments, in the collapsed position, as shown inFIG. 31, the first and second control members 920, 922 may be flush withor adjacent the top and/or bottom surfaces of implant 910, and thecorresponding control channels may open up to the top and/or bottomsurfaces of implant 910.

It should be noted that the implant 910 may share various features withthe other implants described herein, and be made of the same, similar,or different materials. For example, various components of the implant910 may be made of metal, plastic, composites, or other suitablebio-compatible materials. Further, the implant 910 may be usable inconnection with the spine or other parts of the body.

Referring now to FIGS. 35-40, an expandable implant 1010 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. Implant 1010 may include many ofthe features of the other inter/intra-body implants discussed elsewhereherein, particularly implant 610 shown and described with respect toFIGS. 10-19. All such combinations of features are to be understood tobe within the scope of the present disclosure. Implant 1010 is generallysimilar to the other implants disclosed herein in structure and functionexcept that implant 1010 utilizes a single control member/controlchannel configuration, and further utilizes a pivot pin about which anadjustable member pivots relative to a base member.

According to an exemplary embodiment, implant 1010 includes a basemember 1012 and an adjustable member 1014 adjustably coupled to the basemember 1012. A control shaft 1016 is received by the base member 1012and is retained by a retention pin 1018 (e.g., a pivot pin or member,retaining pin) passing through a portion of the base member 1012 and/orthe adjustable member 1014. A control member 1020 is received on thecontrol shaft 1016 and is movable along the control shaft 1016 to adjusta position of the adjustable member 1014 between a collapsed position,as shown in FIG. 35, and an expanded position, as shown in FIG. 36.

In one embodiment, the base member 1012 includes a front or first end1024, a rear or second end 1026, and a central cavity 1039 disposedbetween the first end 1024 and the second end 1026. The base member 1012further includes a top surface 1046 and a bottom surface 1034 oppositethe top surface 1046. The top and bottom surfaces 1046, 1034 may includeridges or projections formed by corresponding grooves, as similarlyshown in FIGS. 10-19. The projections are configured to engage adjacentportions of bone. The base member 1012 further includes a bottom portion1028. A first extension 1030 is positioned at a first side and extendsupward from the bottom portion 1028, and a second extension 1032 ispositioned at a second side and extends upward from the bottom portion1028. Extensions 1030, 1032 include curved lateral surfaces 1033 (seeFIG. 36) configured to engage corresponding curved surfaces 1035 (seeFIG. 38) within recesses 1036 formed in adjustable member 1014 tomaintain a desired pivotal alignment during movement of adjustablemember 1014. A pin aperture 1068 extends through the bottom portion 1028and is configured to receive the retention pin 1018 (e.g., in a pressfit, sliding, or other manner). A front extension 1038 includes a bonescrew bore 1050 configured to receive a bone screw 1022. The frontextension 1038 includes a control bore 1042 configured to receive a headportion of the control shaft 1016.

In one embodiment, the adjustable member 1014 includes a front or firstend 1052, a rear or second end 1054, and cavities 1064 extending throughthe adjustable member 1014 and positioned between the first end 1052 andthe second end 1054 (see FIG. 36). The adjustable member 1014 furtherincludes a top surface 1056 that may include ridges or projectionsformed by corresponding grooves. The adjustable member 1014 furtherincludes pin apertures 1068 (see FIG. 40) configured to receive theretention pin 1018 to enable movement (e.g., pivoting) of the adjustablemember 1014 relative to the base member 1012. Further, the adjustablemember includes a first bone screw support portion 1070 including a bonescrew bore 1074 and a second bone screw support portion 1072 having abone screw bore 1076. As shown in FIG. 35, the first and second bonescrew support portions 1070, 1072 of the adjustable member 1014 and thefront extension 1038 of the base member 1012 collectively form a frontface of the implant 1010, such that the control shaft 1016 and the bonescrews 1022 are accessible via the front face of the implant 1010 (e.g.,when the implant 1010 is in a collapsed position). Furthermore, thefirst and second bone screw support portions 1070, 1072 and the frontextension 1038 may be sized and spaced relative to each other so as toprevent undesired relative lateral movement between base member 1012 andadjustable member 1014.

In one embodiment, the adjustable member 1014 includes one or morecontrol channels, such as control channel 1062. The control channel 1062receives the control member 1020. In some embodiments, the controlmember 1020 is received in the control channel 1062 in a sliding mannersuch that the control member 1020 is able to translate within thecontrol channel 1062. In further embodiments, the control channel 1062has a shape such that the control channel 1062 surrounds the controlmember 1020 and at least partially corresponds in shape to the controlmember 1020.

The control shaft 1016 may include the features of control shaft 616disclosed herein, and may include a head portion, a tool port disposedwithin the head portion, and a retention groove located at an endopposite the head portion. In some embodiments, the control shaft 1016further includes a control thread 1082. Non-threaded portions may belocated on one or both side of the control thread 1082. The controlmember 1020 may include the features of control member 620, and mayinclude a body, one or more flat portions, and an internal thread. Insome embodiments, the control member 1020 further includes a slottedportion configured to enable passing the control member 1020 over aportion (e.g., a non-threaded portion) of the control shaft 1016. Thecontrol member 1020 moves or translates both along the control shaft1016 and within or on the control channel 1062.

Referring further to FIGS. 35-37, the control shaft 1016 is received bythe base member 1012 such that the head portion of control shaft 1016 ispositioned within the front extension 1038 of the base member 1012. Inone embodiment, the control shaft 1016 is rotatable within the basemember 1012, and a retention pin (e.g., retention pin 1018) extends intoa retention groove of the control shaft 1016 to enable rotation of thecontrol shaft 1016 while inhibiting translation of the control shaft1016 relative to the base member 1012. The internal thread of thecontrol member 1020 is received on the control thread 1082 of thecontrol shaft 1016 such that as the control member 1020 moves along thecontrol shaft 1016, the control member 1020 further moves within thecontrol channel 1062, thereby causing relative movement (e.g., pivotalmovement) of the adjustable member 1014 relative to the base member 1012(e.g., about retention pin 1018). As the control member 1020 translatesalong the control shaft 1016, the adjustable member 1014 pivots aboutthe retention pin 1018. The rate of movement of the control member 1020,and therefore the adjustable member 1014, can be adjusted by modifyingthe slope of the control channel 1062 relative to the control shaft1016.

In use, implant 1010 is positioned within a desired space (e.g., betweenadjacent portions of bone) while in the first, collapsed position, asshown in FIG. 35. To position implant 1010, an appropriate tool may beused to engage tool recesses (similar to tool recesses 648) andmanipulate implant 1010 into a desired position. Once in a desiredposition, a subsequent tool may be utilized to engage control shaft 1016to pivot adjustable member 1014 to a desired degree of expansion. Itshould be noted that based on a particular application, the adjustablemember 1014 may be utilized in a fully collapsed position, a fullyexpanded position, or any intermediate position therebetween. One ormore bone screws 1022 may be screwed into adjacent portions of bone asshown in FIG. 39. Once implant 1010 is properly positioned and expandedto a desired height, bone graft material may be delivered by way of, forexample, apertures 1064 or alternatively, by the space formed due to theexpansion of adjustable member 1014. The various apertures in andthrough the base member 1012 and adjustable member 1014 may in someembodiments facilitate the growth of bone material in and around implant1010 to further stabilize the device.

It should be noted that implant 1010 may share various features with theother implants described herein, and be made of the same, similar, ordifferent materials. For example, various components of implant 1010 maybe made of metal, plastic, composites, or other suitable bio-compatiblematerials. Further, implant 1010 may be usable in connection with thespine or other parts of the body.

Referring now to FIGS. 41-44, an expandable implant 1110 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. Implant 1110 may include many ofthe features of the other inter/intra-body implants discussed elsewhereherein, particularly those features of implant 210 shown and describedwith respect to FIGS. 10-15. All such combinations of features are to beunderstood to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Implant1110 is generally similar to implant 210 in structure and functionexcept that implant 1110 includes extensions to receive bone screws.

Implant 1110 includes a base member 1112 and an adjustable member 1114adjustably coupled to the base member 1112. A control shaft 1116 isreceived by the base member 1112 and is retained by a retention pin 1118passing through a portion of the base member 1112. A first controlmember and a second control member are received on the control shaft1116 and are movable along the control shaft 1116 to adjust a positionof the adjustable member 1114 between a collapsed position, as shown inFIG. 41, and an expanded position, as shown in FIG. 42.

In addition to those features discussed with respect to implant 210, anyof which may be included as part of implant 1110, implant 1110 furtherincludes a flange portion or extension 1120. Extension 1120 extends froma main body portion 1122 of base member 1112 and includes an upperextension 1124 and a lower extension 1126. Upper extension 1124 includesa first bone screw bore 1128, and lower extension 1126 includes a secondbone screw bore 1130. Extension 1120 further includes an aperture 1133and a control bore 1134.

Implant 1110 is adjustable in a similar manner to implant 10. However,while adjustment of implant 10 causes a change in height of the implant10, adjustment of the implant 1110 causes a change in width of theimplant 1110 (while maintaining a constant height). As such, whileduring adjustment of the implant 10, the top surface of the adjustablemember 14 may be offset from the top surface of the base member 12,during adjustment of implant 1110, the top surface of the adjustablemember 1114 stays generally aligned with the top surface of the basemember 1112. The implant 1110 may be used to provide, for example, amore stable implant by increasing the footprint of the implant andengagement areas with adjacent portions of bone. The implantation of theimplant 1110 is otherwise similar to that of the implant 10 and theother implants noted herein.

In some embodiments, extensions 1124, 1126 extend in generally oppositedirections relative to main portion 1122 of the base member 1112 (e.g.,in a perpendicular fashion, in an angled fashion, etc.). As such,extensions 1124, 1126 may act as to limit the insertion of implant 1110into a vertebral or other space by way of extensions 1124, 1126interfacing or interfering with adjacent portions of bone. Furthermore,extensions 1124, 1126 and bone screw bores 1128, 1130 may be configuredsuch that bone screws 1132 extend in a generally parallel manner to thelongitudinal axis of implant 1110 (see FIG. 44). This configuration mayfacilitate fastening bone screws 1132 into adjacent portions of bone dueto the alignment of the screws with an incision and/or the implant.

It should be noted that the implant 1110 may share various features withthe other implants described herein, and be made of the same, similar,or different materials. For example, various components of implant 1110may be made of metal, plastic, composites, or other suitablebio-compatible materials. Further, implant 1110 may be usable inconnection with the spine or other parts of the body.

Referring now to FIGS. 45-53, an expandable implant 1210 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. The implant 1210 is usable, forexample, between and/or within vertebral bodies of the spine, and mayinclude any or all of the features of the other inter/intra-bodyimplants discussed elsewhere herein. All such combinations of featuresare to be understood to be within the scope of the present disclosure.It should be understood that the implant 1210 may in some embodiments beusable in other portions of the body in addition to the spine, and allsuch applications are to be understood to be within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The implant 1210 is in many ways similar to implant510, and may include any of the features of implant 510 or the otherimplants disclosed herein.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the implant 1210 includes a basemember 1212 and an adjustable member 1214 adjustably coupled to the basemember 1212. A control shaft 1216 is received by the base member 1212and is retained by a retention pin 1218 passing through a portion of thebase member 1212. A first control member 1220 and a second controlmember 1222 are received on the control shaft 1216 and are movable alongthe control shaft 1216 to adjust a position of the adjustable member1214 between a collapsed position, as shown in FIGS. 45-46, and anexpanded position, as shown in FIGS. 49-50.

In one embodiment, the adjustable member 1214 includes a front or firstend 1230, and a rear or second end 1232. The adjustable member 1214further includes one or more control channels, such as a first controlchannel 1224 and a second control channel 1226. The first controlchannel 1224 receives the first control member 1220, and the secondcontrol channel 1226 receives the second control member 1222. In someembodiments, the control members 1220, 1222 are received in the controlchannels 1224, 1226 in a sliding manner such that the control members1220, 1222 are able to translate within the control channels 1224, 1226.In further embodiments, each control channel has a shape such that thecontrol channel surrounds the control member and at least partiallycorresponds in shape to the control member.

As shown in FIGS. 46-50, as the control members 1220, 1222 move alongthe control shaft 1216, the control members 1220, 1222 further movewithin the control channels 1224, 1226, thereby causing relativemovement of the adjustable member 1214 and the base member 1212. As thecontrol members 1220, 1222 translate along the control shaft 1216, theadjustable member 1214 is moved based on the shape of the first andsecond control channels 1224, 1226. The rate of movement of the controlmembers 1220, 1222, and therefore the adjustable member 1214, can beadjusted by modifying the slope of the control channels 1224, 1226relative to the control shaft 1216.

For example, as shown in FIG. 52, the first control channel 1224 extendsat an angle relative to the control shaft 1216, and has a substantiallylinear form and constant slope, thereby providing a generally constantcorresponding rate of movement of the first end 1230 of the adjustablemember 1214. The second control channel 1226 includes a first channelportion 1228 and a second channel portion 1231 which extend at differentangles relative to the control shaft 1216. As shown in FIG. 52, thefirst channel portion 1228 is generally parallel to the control shaft1216, and the second channel portion 1231 extends at an angle similar tothat of first control channel 1224. As such, the second control channel1226 provides a non-constant rate of movement of second end 1232 of theadjustable member 1214.

FIGS. 45-50 illustrate the corresponding movement of the adjustablemember 1214 resulting from the differing configurations of the firstcontrol channel 1224 and the second control channel 1226. In FIGS. 45and 46, the implant 1210 is in a collapsed position, such that thecontrol members 1220, 1222 reside in the upper positions within thefirst and second control channels 1224, 1226. FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrateimplant 1210 in an intermediate expanded position, where second controlmember 1222 is positioned generally at the intersection of the firstchannel portion 1228 and the second channel portion 1231. Due to theorientation of the first channel portion 1228, the second end 1232 ofadjustable member 1214 has moved downward relative to the height as thatshown in FIGS. 45 and 46, while due to the configuration of firstcontrol channel 1224, the first end 1230 of the adjustable member 1214has moved upward relative to the base member 1212. FIGS. 49 and 50 showthe implant 1210 in a fully expanded position, where control members1220, 1222 reside in the lower/outer—most positions within the first andsecond control channels 1224, 1226. Due to the angled configurations ofboth the first control channel 1224 and the second channel portion 1231of the second control channel 1226, both the first end 1230 and thesecond end 1232 move relative to the base member 1212.

Referring to FIG. 53, in some embodiments, implant 1210 includesfeatures intended to facilitate non-linear movement of adjustment member1214 relative to base member 1212. For example, in one embodiment, a pin1240 (e.g., a projection, etc.) provided on adjustment member 1214resides within a slot 1242 (e.g., a recess, etc.) provided on basemember 1212. The pin 1240 may rotate and/or translate within the slot1242. Pin 1240 and a slot 1242 limit the range of relative motionbetween adjustable member 1214 and base member 1212. Further, basemember 1212 may include an alignment guide 1244 (e.g., an upstandingwall portion, etc.) received within an alignment recess 1246 inadjustable member 1214. Alignment guide 1244 and alignment recess 1246are configured such that in a first, collapsed position, a first side ofalignment guide 1244 engages a first side of recess 1246 (see FIG. 45),and in an intermediate position a second side of alignment guide 1244engages a second side of recess 1246 (see FIG. 47). In the fullyexpanded position, the alignment guide 1244 and recess 1246 maydisengage due to the separation of the adjustable member 1214 and thebase member 1212.

In one embodiment, implant 1210 includes one or more apertures intendedto provide fluid communication (e.g., for the delivery of bone growthmaterial, etc.) between an exterior and an interior of implant 1210. Forexample, in one embodiment, implant 1210 includes one or more apertures1250 extending from an exterior of implant 1210 to an interior. Aperture1250 may be formed in base member 1212, adjustable member 1214, or asshown in FIG. 53, collectively formed by members 1212, 1214.

Providing an implant with adjustment features such as those provided byimplant 1210 may facilitate accommodating a desired spinal curvature orother anatomical features where non-parallel supporting surfaces aresuitable for a particular application. It should be noted that thecontrol channels and/or control rails herein may take any desiredconfiguration to provide desired expansion and contractioncharacteristics for a particular implant.

Referring now to FIGS. 54-60, an expandable implant 1310 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. The implant 1310 is usable, forexample, between and/or within vertebral bodies of the spine, and mayinclude any or all of the features of the other inter/intra-bodyimplants discussed elsewhere herein. All such combinations of featuresare to be understood to be within the scope of the present disclosure.It should be understood that the implant 1310 may in some embodiments beusable in other portions of the body in addition to the spine, and allsuch applications are to be understood to be within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The implant 1310 is in many ways similar to implant410, and may include any of the features of implant 410 or the otherimplants disclosed herein.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the implant 1310 includes a basemember 1312 and an adjustable member 1314 adjustably coupled to the basemember 1312. A control shaft 1316 is received by the base member 1312and is retained by a retention pin 1318 passing through a portion of thebase member 1312 to be received by a groove 1321 on the control shaft1316. The groove 1321 is configured to allow rotational motion of thecontrol shaft 1316 while preventing lateral (e.g., side to side, in andout) translation of the control shaft 1316. A first control member 1320and a second control member 1322 are received on the control shaft 1316and are movable along the control shaft 1316 to adjust a position of theadjustable member 1314 between a collapsed position, as shown in FIG.54, and an expanded position, as shown in FIG. 55.

In one embodiment, the adjustable member 1314 includes a front or firstend 1330, and a rear or second end 1332. The adjustable member 1314further includes one or more control channels, such as first controlchannel 1324 and a second control channel 1326. The first controlchannel 1324 receives the first control member 1320, and the secondcontrol channel 1326 receives the second control member 1322. One ormore retention pins 1317 may be received by the base member 1312 andprevent the adjustable member 1314 from becoming uncoupled from the basemember 1312, as shown in FIG. 60. For example, the retention pins 1317may contact channels 1313 and 1315 of the adjustable member 1314 toprevent the adjustable member 1314 from extending further. The channels1313 and 1315 may align the adjustable member 1314 to the base member1312 and further prevent the adjustable member 1314 from uncoupling fromthe base member 1312. Further, the channels 1313 and 1315 may define anamount of expansion allowable for the adjustable member 1314. Retentionpin 1319 may be received by slot 1311 of the base member 1312 and limittranslation of the first control member 1320, as shown in FIG. 56.Further, one or more retention pins 1318 may be received by the basemember 1312 and contact the groove 1321 to secure the control shaft1316, as shown in FIG. 59.

In some embodiments, the control members 1320, 1322 are received in thefirst control channels 1324, 1326 in a sliding manner such that thecontrol members 1320, 1322 are able to translate within the controlchannels 1324, 1326. In further embodiments, each control channel has ashape such that the control channel surrounds the control member and atleast partially corresponds in shape to the control member. In oneembodiment, the control members 1320, 1322 are rhomboid prismsconfigured to engage the first and second control channels 1324, 1326.The control members 1320, 1322 include one or more flat portions1302-1306, and an internal thread 1308. Relative to other shapes,rhomboidal control members may provide greater surface contact for thefirst and second control channels 1324, 1326 to increase the area overwhich an expanding force acts, thereby reducing part fatigue andincreasing part lifetime.

As shown in FIGS. 56 and 57, as the control members 1320, 1322 movealong the control shaft 1316, the control members 1320, 1322 furthermove within the control channels 1324, 1326, thereby causing relativemovement of the adjustable member 1314 and the base member 1312. As thecontrol members 1320, 1322 translate along the control shaft 1316, theadjustable member 1314 is moved based on the shape of the first andsecond control channels 1324, 1326. The rate of movement of the controlmembers 1320, 1322, and therefore the adjustable member 1314, can beadjusted by modifying the slope of the control channels 1324, 1326relative to the control shaft 1316 and/or by modifying the thread (e.g.,lead, pitch, etc.) of the control shaft 1316 to cause greater or lessertranslation of the control members 1320, 1322 for the same amount ofrotation of the control shaft 1316.

In one embodiment, implant 1310 includes one or more apertures intendedto provide fluid communication (e.g., for the delivery of bone growthmaterial, etc.) between an exterior and an interior of implant 1310. Forexample, in one embodiment, implant 1310 includes one or more apertures1350 extending from an exterior of implant 1310 to an interior. Aperture1350 may be formed in base member 1312 or adjustable member 1314 and mayextend through a top, bottom, side, or other surface.

Referring now to FIGS. 61 and 62, an expandable implant 1410 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. The implant 1410 is usable, forexample, between and/or within vertebral bodies of the spine, and mayinclude any or all of the features of the other inter/intra-bodyimplants discussed elsewhere herein. All such combinations of featuresare to be understood to be within the scope of the present disclosure.It should be understood that the implant 1410 may in some embodiments beusable in other portions of the body in addition to the spine, and allsuch applications are to be understood to be within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The implant 1410 is in many ways similar to implant1310, and may include any of the features of implant 1310 or the otherimplants disclosed herein.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the implant 1410 includes a basemember 1412 and an adjustable member 1414 adjustably coupled to the basemember 1412. A control shaft 1416 is received by the base member 1412. Afirst control member 1420 and a second control member 1422 are receivedon the control shaft 1416 and are movable along the control shaft 1416to adjust a position of the adjustable member 1414 between a collapsedposition, as shown in FIG. 61, and an expanded position, as shown inFIG. 62. The implant 1410 includes a front or first end 1460, and a backor second end 1462. According to an exemplary embodiment, the implant1410 is substantially curved such that the sides 1427 and 1429 arecurved between a first end 1460 and a second end 1462. In someembodiments, a curvature of the implant 1410 is “banana” shaped.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the implant 1410 includes a frontor first side 1427, and a rear or second side 1429. The first side 1427of the base member 1412 has a first height 1431 and the second side 1429of the base member 1412 has a second height 1433. In some embodiments,the first height 1431 and the second height 1433 are different. Forexample, the second height 1433 may be greater than the first height1431 such that the implant 1410 is substantially wedge shaped.Additionally or alternatively, the first side 1427 of the adjustablemember 1414 has a first height 1441 and the second side 1429 of theadjustable member 1414 has a second height 1443.

Providing an implant with forms such as those provided by implant 1410may facilitate accommodating a desired spinal curvature or otheranatomical features where non-parallel supporting surfaces are suitablefor a particular application. It should be noted that the sides (e.g.,first and second side 1427 and 1429) of base member 1412 and/oradjustable member 1414 described herein may take any desired height toprovide desired supporting slope for a particular implant. Furthermore,providing an implant with a curvature such as that of the implant 1410may facilitate accommodating different shapes of bone members or otheranatomical features that are substantially non-straight in form.

Referring now to FIGS. 63-75, various implants are shown that mayprovide elastic or compressibility features. For example, referring toFIGS. 63-66, an implant 1610 is shown. Implant 1610 may be substantiallyidentical to implant 1310 disclosed herein except for the structure ofthe control members, in that implant 1610 provides control membershaving a higher modulus of elasticity relative to other portions ofimplant 1610 to more closely replicate the structure and function ofcertain parts of the human anatomy, such as portions of the spine.Further, while the various implants disclosed herein generally include arotatable control shaft, other types of manipulation or actuation of thecontrol shaft may be used to adjust the height of the implant, includinglongitudinal translation, lateral translation, irregular manipulations,combinations thereof, etc. All such types of manipulation or actuationof a control shaft are to be understood to be within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

For example, referring to FIGS. 63 and 64, implant 1610 includes a basemember 1612 and an adjustable member 1614. A control shaft 1616 andcontrol members 1620, 1622 enable adjustment of adjustable member 1614relative to base member 1612, as discussed in greater detail withrespect to implant 1310 and the other embodiments disclosed herein. Itshould be noted that FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view taken along aplane slightly offset from the axis of control member 1616 in order toprovide more clarity with respect to the structure of control members1620, 1622.

Referring now to FIGS. 65 and 66, control member 1620 is shown ingreater detail, it being understood that control member 1622 can shareany and all features of control member 1620 disclosed herein. In oneembodiment, control member 1620 includes a first generally flat face1630 and a second generally flat face 1632. Faces 1630 and 1632 aregenerally parallel to one another and to the interior surfaces of thecontrol channel of adjustable member 1614. First face 1630 extends froma top surface 1638, and second face 1632 extends upward from a bottomsurface 1640. In certain embodiments, the control member includes afirst, rigid portion and a second, deformable portion. In certainembodiments, the deformable portion defines a planar surface (e.g., face1630) that is configured to slidably engage the adjustable member 1614.

In one embodiment, one or more slots (e.g., wired cuts, voids, etc.) areprovided in control member 1620 (e.g., the second, deformable portion)to enable control member 1620 to be relatively more compressible (e.g.,more compressible than a solid metal structure without such slots). Incertain embodiments, the second, deformable portion (i.e., thecompressible portion) is more compressible than the remainder of theimplant. For example, as shown in FIGS. 65 and 66, control member 1620includes a first slot 1634 and a second slot 1636. First slot 1634extends through control member 1620 and down from top surface 1638.Second slot 1636 extends through control member 1620 and upward frombottom surface 1640. In one embodiment, slots 1634 and 1636 are parallelto each other and/or to first and second faces 1630, 1632. In otherembodiments, slots 1634, 1636 are non-parallel to each other and/or tofirst and second faces 1630, 1632. Slots 1634, 1636 extend along lessthan the full height of control member so as to maintain the unitarystructure of control member 1620.

FIGS. 63-66 generally disclose control members having two slots, withone slot extending upward from a top surface of the control member and asecond slot extending upward from a bottom of the control member. Invarious alternative embodiments, more or fewer slots may be utilized,and the slots may extend from one or both of top surface 1638 and bottomsurface 1640. Furthermore, the slots may have any appropriate thickness.The particular size, shape, number, and orientation of the slots may bevaried to suit a particular application (e.g., to provide a desiredmodulus of elasticity for the implant).

In use, implant 1610 is installed in a desired position, such as betweenintervertebral bodies within the spine. When implant 1610 is subjectedto compressive loads, control members 1620, 1622 may absorb some of thecompressive forces by compressing due to the slotted structure of thecontrol members. As such, the overall compressibility of implant 1610may be selected to closely imitate that of the human anatomy.

In some embodiments, control members 1620, 1622 are made of a relativelymore compressible material than the remainder of implant 1610. In otherembodiments, control members 1620, 1622 are made of the same or asimilar material than the remainder of implant 1610. For example, in oneembodiment, control members 1620, 1622 are made of a polymer orcomposite, such as PEEK, while the remainder of implant 1610 is made ofa metal, such as titanium. As discussed in further detail below, infurther alternative embodiments, the control members 1620, 1622 may bemade of a combination of polymers, composites, and metals.

Referring now to FIGS. 67-72, an implant 1710 is shown according to anexemplary embodiment. Implant 1710 may share any of the features of theother implants disclosed herein, including expansion mechanisms,alignment/guide members, and the like. All such combinations of featuresare to be understood to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 67-70, implant 1710 includes a base member 1712 andan adjustable member 1714. A control shaft 1716 and control members1720, 1722 enable adjustment of adjustable member 1714 relative to basemember 1712, as discussed in greater detail with respect to implant 1310and the other embodiments disclosed herein. It should be noted that FIG.70 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane slightly offset fromthe axis of control member 1716 in order to provide more clarity withrespect to the structure of control members 1720, 1722. As shown inFIGS. 67-70, implant 1710 has a lower profile and larger width relativeto height than implant 1610, which may provide increased stability forimplant 1710.

Referring now to FIGS. 71-72, control member 1720 is shown in greaterdetail, it being understood that control member 1722 can share any andall features of control member 1720 disclosed herein. In one embodiment,control member 1720 includes a base portion 1724 and an engagementportion 1726. Base portion 1724 is coupled to engagement portion 1726.As shown in FIGS. 71-72, base portion 1724 and engagement portion 1726may include corresponding dovetail features enabling a secure couplingof components. In other embodiments, base portion 1724 and engagementportion 1726 may be coupled using other methods, including adhesives,welding, mechanical fasteners, and the like.

In one embodiment, base portion 1724 includes threads to threadinglyengage control member 1716. Base portion 1724 may be made of arelatively non-compressible material, such as titanium or another metal.In other embodiments, base portion 1724 may be made of other materials.Engagement portion 1726 may or may not include threads to threadinglyengage control member 1716. For example, if engagement portion 1726 ismade of a relatively softer, or compressible material, it may bedesirable to not utilize threads with engagement portion 1726.Engagement portion may be made of a relatively softer and/or morecompressible material than base member 1724 and/or the remainder of thecomponents of implant 1710. In some embodiments, engagement portion 1726is made of PEEK. On other embodiments, engagement portion may be made ofother materials.

Generally, engagement member 1726 includes a generally flat face 1728configured to engage a corresponding surface of the control channels ofadjustable member 1714. In this way, engagement portion 1726 may absorba certain amount of compressive forces imparted to implant 1710. Forexample, in use, implant 1710 is installed in a desired position, suchas between intervertebral bodies within the spine. When implant 1710 issubjected to compressive loads, control members 1720, 1722 may absorbsome of the compressive forces by compressing due to the compressiblenature of engagement portion 1726. As such, the overall compressibilityof implant 1710 may be selected to closely imitate that of the humananatomy.

In some embodiments, engagement portion 1726 is made of a relativelymore compressible material than the remainder of implant 1710. Forexample, in one embodiment, engagement portion 1726 is made of a polymeror composite, such as PEEK, while the remainder of implant 1710 is madeof a metal, such as titanium.

In some embodiments, implants 1610, 1710 provide for increasedcompressibility in only a single direction (e.g., in a direction alongthe height of the implants). Compressive forces are transferred throughthe base members and/or the adjustable members to the control members,where all or a portion of the compressive force is absorbed by way ofcompression of the control members. As disclosed herein, the overallcompressive characteristics of the implants may be similar to those ofthe human anatomy (e.g., spinal bone material, etc.).

It should be understood that the compression features disclosed in FIGS.63-72 and elsewhere herein are applicable to a wide variety of implantsin addition to those disclosed herein. In general, the compressionfeatures may apply to any expandable implant. In some embodiments,increased compressibility is provided at the interface of surfaces orcomponents that provide expansion/adjustment features. For example, asdiscussed with respect to FIGS. 63-72, the compressibility is providedat the interface between the control members and the control channels.In other embodiments, the compressibility may be provided at theinterface of wedging surfaces that interface to provide expansionfeatures for an implant. In yet further embodiments, the compressibilitymay be provided by other components. The control members, controlchannels, wedging members all provide control portions for selectiveadjustment of the expandable implants herein. The control portionsfurther provide for increased compressibility of the expandable implant(e.g., to mimic the compressibility of human bone, etc.).

For example, referring to FIGS. 73-75, expandable implants are shownaccording to alternative embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 73 and 74, animplant 1810 includes a first or bottom support 1812 and a second or topsupport 1814. First and second wedge members 1818, 1820 (e.g., controlmembers, etc.) are received on a control shaft 1816. Rotation of controlshaft 1811 causes relative movement between first and second wedgemembers 1818, 1820, which in turn causes relative movement between firstand second supports 1812, 1814.

In some embodiments, increased compressibility (e.g., greatercompressibility than a reminder of the implant) is provided at one ormore of the interfacing portions of first and second supports 1812, 1814and first and second wedge members 1818, 1820. In some embodiments, theinterfacing surfaces may be made of a relatively more pliable material(e.g., PEEK), is a similar fashion to the embodiments of FIGS. 71 and72. In other embodiments, structural modifications such as slits, etc.,such as those shown in FIGS. 63-66, may provide increasedcompressibility. In further embodiments, all or a portion of the wedgingmembers may be made of a relatively more compressible material. In yetfurther embodiments, increased compressibility may be provided in otherways.

FIG. 75 shows an implant 1910 similar to implant 1810, except thatimplant 1910 includes additional alignment features in the form ofupstanding u-shaped channels/recesses 1922 and correspondingly shapedalignment guides 1924. Implant 1910 further includes control shaft 1916having access port 1924 enabling delivery of fluid or other materialsuch as bone growth material through the head of the control shaft 1916and to the interior of implant 1910. Implant 1910 may share any of thefeatures of 1810 including any of the compression features disclosedherein.

Referring now to the Figures generally, the various embodimentsdisclosed herein provide expandable implants including a base member, anadjustable member adjustably coupled to the base member and movablebetween a first, collapsed position, and a second, expanded position,and a control shaft rotatably received by the base member, whererotation or other manipulation of the control shaft cause relativemovement of the adjustable member relative to the base member. At leastone control member is received on the control shaft and by the controlchannel, and rotation of the control shaft causes the control member totranslate along the control shaft and along the control channel.

In some embodiments, the adjustable member moves in a linear fashionrelative to the base member. In other embodiments, the adjustable membermoves in a non-linear fashion relative to the base member. In furtherembodiments, the adjustable member pivots about a pivot axis relative tothe base member. The pivot axis may be provided by a pivot pin extendingthrough one or both of the adjustable member and the base member.

In some embodiments, a single control member and control channel areutilized. In other embodiments, multiple (e.g., 2) control members andcontrol channels are utilized. In some embodiments, the multiple controlchannels are parallel and straight. In other embodiments, the controlchannels are non-parallel and straight (e.g., angled toward each other).In further embodiments, the control channels are non-parallel andnon-straight such that the adjustable member moves in a non-linearfashion relative to the base member.

In some embodiments, the control shaft includes a control threadcorresponding to each control member. As such, while in some embodimentsthe control shaft includes a single control thread, in other embodimentsthe control shaft includes multiple (e.g., first and second) controlthreads. In some embodiments, the control threads are like-threaded. Inother embodiments, the control threads have different threads. Forexample, in some embodiments, a first control thread is opposite-handedfrom a second control thread. In further embodiments, a first controlthread has a different pitch from a second control thread. In yetfurther embodiments, a first control thread is different handed and hasa different pitch from a second control thread.

In some embodiments, one or both of the adjustable member and the basemember include projections/grooves to provide a gripping surfaceintended to facilitate gripping adjacent portions of bone. In furtherembodiments, one or both of the adjustable member and the base memberinclude one or more apertures and/or cavities configured to promote bonegrowth in and around the adjustable member and the base member. In someembodiments, the apertures extend from a top, bottom, and/or sidesurface of the adjustment member or the base member and to a centralcavity of the implant.

According to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more bonescrews may be included and positioned to extend through one or both ofthe adjustable member and the base member and into adjacent portions ofbone. In some embodiments, multiple bone screws are used. A first bonescrew may extend through the adjustable member and into a first portionof bone, and a second bone screw may extend through the base member andinto a second portion of bone. In further embodiments, multiple bonescrews are accessible and manipulatable by way of a front face of theimplant defined by one or both of the adjustable member and the basemember. A head and tool port of the control shaft may further beaccessible by way of the front face of the implant.

In various embodiments, any suitable configuration of the controlshaft/control member(s)/control channel(s) may be utilized. In someembodiments, an at least partially spherical control member threadinglyengages a threaded control shaft and translates both along the controlshaft and within the control channel. In other embodiments, the controlmember is non-spherical and is received at least partially on or in acontrol rail or control channel provided by the adjustable member, suchthat the control member translates along both the control shaft and thecontrol channel or control rail.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of positioning anexpandable implant including receiving, by an adjustment member of theexpandable implant, a manipulation tool at a first angle, wherein theadjustment member includes a channel that receives a portion of themanipulation tool. The method including securing the expandable implantto the manipulation tool by rotating the portion of the manipulationtool through the channel, the rotation orienting the expandable implantto a second angle. The method including receiving, by the adjustmentmember, a locking member of the manipulation tool, the locking memberlocking the expandable implant at the second angle. The method includingpositioning, by a user using the manipulation tool, the expandableimplant, and receiving, by an expansion mechanism of the expandableimplant, via the manipulation tool, an expansion force, the expansionforce causing the expandable implant to expand.

In some embodiments, the channel is a dovetail recess and the portion ofthe manipulation tool is a dovetail projection. In some embodiments, theexpansion force is a torque. In some embodiments, the locking member isa pin configured to fit within a slot of the adjustment member. In someembodiments, the adjustment member is coupled to a base member of theexpandable implant, the base member including a bottom surface tocontact an adjacent portion of bone. In some embodiments, the expandableimplant including an adjustable member coupled to the base member, theadjustable member including a top surface to contact an adjacent portionof bone, the adjustable member configured to expand relative to the basemember in response to the expansion force. In some embodiments, theexpandable implant is perpendicular to the manipulation tool while atthe first angle and is parallel to the manipulation tool while at thesecond angle.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is an expandable implantincluding a base member including a bottom surface to contact anadjacent portion of bone, an adjustable member coupled to the basemember and including a top surface to contact an adjacent portion ofbone. The expandable implant further including an adjustment memberincluding a channel and coupled to the adjustable member and configuredto receive a portion of a manipulation tool at a first angle. Theadjustment member further configured to secure the manipulation tool tothe expandable implant by rotating the portion of the manipulation toolthrough the channel, wherein the rotation orients the expandable implantto a second angle, and receive a locking member of the manipulationtool, the locking member locking the expandable implant at the secondangle. The expandable implant is positioned by a user using themanipulation tool and wherein the expandable implant is expanded via themanipulation tool.

In some embodiments, the channel is a dovetail recess and the portion ofthe manipulation tool is a dovetail projection. In some embodiments, thebase member receives a screw drive to expand the expandable implant. Insome embodiments, the screw drive is coupled co-axially within themanipulation tool. In some embodiments, the locking member is a pinconfigured to fit within a slot of the adjustment member. In someembodiments, the expandable implant is perpendicular to the manipulationtool while at the first angle and is parallel to the manipulation toolwhile at the second angle.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a manipulation tool foran expandable implant including a first portion including a first endand a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be a handle,the second end including a locking member. The manipulation toolincluding a second portion co-axially coupled within the second end ofthe first portion, the second portion configured to translate between afirst position and a second position, the second portion including acoupling member configured to couple to an attachment member of theexpandable implant at a first angle, wherein the coupling member securesthe expandable implant to the manipulation tool by rotating through achannel of the attachment member to a second angle. Translating thesecond portion from the first position to the second position engagesthe locking member of the first portion and locks the expandable implantto the manipulation tool, locking the expandable implant at the secondangle. The manipulation tool positions the expandable implant.

In some embodiments, the manipulation tool further including anadjustment mechanism co-axially coupled within the first and secondportions and configured to engage the expandable implant to causeexpansion. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is a screwdrive. In some embodiments, the channel is a dovetail recess and thecoupling member is a dovetail projection. In some embodiments, thelocking member is a pin configured to fit within a slot of theexpandable implant. In some embodiments, the manipulation tool isperpendicular to the expandable implant at the first angle and isparallel to the expandable implant at the second angle. In someembodiments, the first and second portions are hollow.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the various implants and implant components as shown in theexemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although a few embodimentshave been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in theart who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations,etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of the subject matter recited in the various embodiments.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions,modifications, changes, and/or omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodimentswithout departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An expandable implant comprising: a first supportconfigured to engage a first portion of bone; a second supportconfigured to engage a second portion of bone, the second supportadjustably coupled to the first support such that the expandable implantis movable between a collapsed position, and an expanded position; and acontrol assembly including a control shaft and a wedging member coupledto the control shaft, wherein manipulation of the control shaft causesrelative movement of the second support relative to the first support;wherein the wedging member is configured to slidably engage the secondsupport at a wedging member interface during manipulation of the controlshaft to move the second support relative to the first support, whereinthe wedging member interface comprises an elastically compressibleportion defining a planar surface.
 2. The expandable implant of claim 1,wherein the wedging member comprises the wedging member interface. 3.The expandable implant of claim 1, wherein the planar surface is angledrelative to a direction of movement of the second support relative tothe first support.
 4. The expandable implant of claim 1, wherein theelastically compressible portion is configured to compress when theexpandable implant is subjected to compressive loads via the first andsecond supports.
 5. The expandable implant of claim 1, wherein theelastically compressible portion is made of PEEK.
 6. The expandableimplant of claim 1, wherein the wedging member interface is a firstwedging member interface and the elastically compressible portion is afirst elastically compressible portion configured to engage a firstportion of the second support, further comprising a second wedgingmember interface comprising a second elastically compressible portiondefining a second planar surface configured to slidingly engage a secondportion of the second support.
 7. The expandable implant of claim 1,wherein the elastically compressible portion is coupled to a baseportion of the wedging member, and wherein the elastically compressibleportion is relatively more compressible than the base portion.
 8. Theexpandable implant of claim 7, wherein the base portion is made ofmetal.
 9. The expandable implant of claim 1, wherein the wedging memberinterface is configured such that an overall compressibility of theexpandable implant imitates the compressibility of the human anatomy.10. An expandable implant, comprising: a lower support; an upper supportadjustably coupled to the lower support such that the expandable implantis movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position; and acontrol assembly including a control shaft, a first control membercoupled to the control shaft, and a second control member coupled to thecontrol shaft, wherein manipulation of the control shaft causes relativemovement of the upper support relative to the lower support; wherein thefirst control member comprises a first compressible portion configuredto slidingly engage a first portion of the upper support, and the secondcontrol member comprises a second compressible portion configured toslidingly engage a second portion of the upper support.
 11. Theexpandable implant of claim 10, wherein the first control membercomprises a first rigid portion coupled to the first compressibleportion, the first rigid portion being relatively less compressible thanthe first compressible portion.
 12. The expandable implant of claim 10,wherein the first compressible portion is configured to slidingly engagethe first portion of the upper support upon rotation of the controlshaft.
 13. The expandable implant of claim 10, wherein the firstcompressible portion and the second compressible portion are morecompressible than a remainder of the expandable implant.
 14. Theexpandable implant of claim 10, wherein the first compressible portiondefines a first planar surface configured to slidingly engage the firstportion of the upper support and the second compressible portion definesa second planar surface configured to slidingly engage the secondportion of the upper support.
 15. The expandable implant of claim 14,wherein the first and second planar surfaces are angled relative to adirection of movement of the upper support relative to the lowersupport.
 16. An expandable implant, comprising: a first support member;a second support member coupled to the first support member and movablerelative to the first support member along a first direction; and acontrol assembly comprising a control shaft, a first control membercoupled to the control shaft, and a second control member coupled to thecontrol shaft, wherein the first control member comprises a firstelastically compressible portion configured to slidingly engage a firstportion of the second support member along a first interface angledrelative to the first direction, and wherein the second control membercomprises a second elastically compressible portion configured toslidingly engage a second portion of the second support member along asecond interface angled relative to the first direction.
 17. Theexpandable implant of claim 16, wherein the first control membercomprises a first rigid portion coupled to the first elasticallycompressible portion; and wherein the second control member comprises asecond rigid portion coupled to the second elastically compressibleportion.
 18. The expandable implant of claim 17, wherein the firstelastically compressible portion and the second elastically compressibleportion are made of PEEK.
 19. The expandable implant of claim 16,wherein the first support member comprises a first alignment portion andthe second support member comprises a second alignment portionconfigured to engage the first alignment portion and maintain alignmentbetween the first support member and the second support member duringmovement of the first support member relative to the second supportmember.
 20. The expandable implant of claim 16, wherein the firstelastically compressible portion defines a first planar surfaceconfigured to slidingly engage the first portion of the second supportmember and the second elastically compressible portion defines a secondplanar surface configured to engage the second portion of the secondsupport member.